Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-11-11
THEY WANT MONEY.

Reports Of officers filed VITA the de-
psrtment ask for appropriations to fortity
our coast towns and furnish long range
guns for the defense of our haroors. The
dynamite gun, that latest child Of destruc-
ton, is conceded to be powerful engine
of destruction, but long range guns are
necessary to keep the war ships
of the enemy at bay. Every
chief of a department seems TO think that
his particular views should be adopted
by Congress and, while we are laughing
at the insanity of European nations for
keeping their able-bodied men under
arms, if we listen to those in authority,
America will soon be in the same condi-
ton. The army should be increased, the
navy should be increased, fortidcations
should be built, and better pattern
of guns should be manufactured. We
ought, in fine, 10 desert the avocations OF
peace and enter the lists as warriors and
buccaneers. When it is remembered that
our national strength is imbedded in that
martial psssiveness which springs from
material wealth, the recommendations OF
these gentlemen will seem out OF place.
We do not live by the sword. We
are capable CT sustaining ourselves
iudependent OF and in spite of al foreign
nations. We are no beasts of prey
neither are we covering in fear OF foreign
aggression. The day OF war ships may be
81 hand, but the day when foreign ma
ton will make war with country pos
sessed of the resources Of the United
States, is long since passed. We nave
nothing to fear end all to gain, and we
must gain it-not at the lannon's mouth
but in ne productive pursuits OF peace.
It is easy for one high in authority TO
figure on expenditures which cost
msny millions, but the producing masses
who have TO foot the bill are not in
sympathy with any such unnecessary
extravsgsuce. When it is necessary for
the United States to go to war, we Will DC
prepared. "Forewarned is torearmed''
may do well enough for countries that
depend upon bluff and display, but the
sons of America are always armed.
Secretary Bayard is Democrst and
member of Democratic Cabinet, but his
proiect to create the Office Of Consulate
INSPECTOR st g cost of $4,000 per annum
will meet with but little favor. We can
not 90 IS far as the Louisville Courier
Journal, in wishing to destroy and OBJ
Hterate all consulates, but must draw the
line at inspectors Ct Consul
lates." II our foreign represen-
tstives require watching; if we
must set spies and detectives upon those
honored with portfolios by this govern
ment, by parity Of reasoning we should
have inspectors OF inspectors, and SO on
ad ipfinitum. The true theory of oul
government, with due respect to the very
able Secretary OF Slate, is to get alore
with as few placsmen and of1ce-holderi
as is possible. Argue as we may
ofice-holding creates an sristocracI
which is repulsive TO the genius
of our institutions. This is signally true
when these officials are appointed BY
the executive independent of the voices
and votes Of the people. We have enough
office-holders and enough sinecnres q
pregeut without creating any more. The
interests Of the country do not demand i
and Democratic administration should
not countenance the suggestion ever
from one high in its counsels.